Best Shopping in Upwey Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best shopping scene in Upwey is better than most people realise. Start at Blue Cellar, then check out Nina Yard. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Located 35km from the CBD, Upwey is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Upwey locals actually recommend.

1. Upwey Market

Stores: ~165 Anchor: Big W Also: The Reject Shop Food court: bakery cafe, kebabs, pho, burgers, Indian Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Upwey Market is a reliable shopping option in Upwey. Big W anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 5 options — bakery cafe and kebabs are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Upwey residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: There is a free ATM near the food court entrance.

2. Thomas Shopping Centre

Stores: ~102 Anchor: Kmart Also: Officeworks Food court: pho, sushi, fish and chips, bakery cafe Parking: Underground parking available

Thomas Shopping Centre is where most locals do their weekly shop in Upwey. Kmart anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 4 options — pho and sushi are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Kmart entrance.

The facilities are all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Upwey residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The Kmart has better specials on Wednesdays.

3. Lygon Shopping Centre

Stores: ~67 Anchor: Woolworths Also: Cotton On Food court: burgers, Japanese, pho, Mexican, sushi, Indian Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Lygon Shopping Centre is the main retail hub in Upwey. Woolworths anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 6 options — burgers and Japanese are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Woolworths entrance.

The amenities you need —bank, post office, pharmacy — are all reasonable. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Upwey residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: Park on the Queen Avenue side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

4. Elm Plaza

Stores: ~86 Anchor: IGA Also: Priceline Food court: sushi, pho, burgers, fish and chips, Japanese, kebabs, Thai Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Elm Plaza is where most locals do their weekly shop in Upwey. IGA anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 7 options — sushi and pho are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the IGA entrance.

The parking is all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Upwey residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: Park on the William Crescent side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

The Upwey That Locals Know

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The best shopping options here reflect Upwey’s character. Whether you’re based in Upwey or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Sydney Plaza

Stores: ~48 Anchor: Kmart Also: The Reject Shop Food court: Chinese, Japanese, fish and chips, Mexican, Thai, pizza, sushi Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Sydney Plaza is a reliable shopping option in Upwey. Kmart anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 7 options — Chinese and Japanese are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Upwey residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: The Kmart has better specials on Wednesdays.

6. Plenty Complex

Stores: ~151 Anchor: Coles Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: Japanese, fish and chips, Mexican, Indian, kebabs, pizza Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Plenty Complex is a reliable shopping option in Upwey. Coles anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find 146+ specialty stores including Chemist Warehouse. The food court has 6 options — Japanese and fish and chips are the best of the lot. The Coles has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The facilities are all reasonable. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Upwey residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: There is a free ATM near the food court entrance.

7. Upwey Market

Stores: ~46 Anchor: IGA Also: Cotton On Food court: bakery cafe, kebabs, Chinese, pizza, Indian Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Upwey Market is where most locals do their weekly shop in Upwey. IGA anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find 41+ specialty stores including Cotton On. The food court has 5 options — bakery cafe and kebabs are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all convenient. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Upwey residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The small independent stores in the back arcade have better prices than the chains.

8. Upwey Precinct

Stores: ~126 Anchor: Target Also: Best & Less Food court: burgers, Japanese, pho, bakery cafe, Indian Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Upwey Precinct is the main retail hub in Upwey. Target anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 121+ specialty stores including Best & Less. The food court has 5 options — burgers and Japanese are the best of the lot. The Target has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The parking is all convenient. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Upwey residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: There is a free ATM near the food court entrance.

Explore More

• The Basin Best Shopping — same vibe, different suburb
• Upwey Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Upwey Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Upwey Complete Guide — everything about Upwey
• Compare Suburbs — see how Upwey stacks up
• All Upwey Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best shopping options in Upwey?

Good Local is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Upwey good for best shopping?

Yes. Upwey has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Upwey isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026